Shipping a Car to Montreal from the United States
When planning to relocate from the US to Canada, you've got a lot on your plate. Most folks planning an international move need to ship some personal belongings—often, this includes their car. Vehicle importation into any country is subject to a number of rules, regulations, and conditions. Fortunately, A-1 Auto Transport has years of experience shipping cars to Montreal and all other parts of Canada and knows how to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
The following is a brief overview of everything that you, as the customer, need to know about shipping cars to Montreal.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Montreal
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
San Jose, CA to (California port) to the area | $200 | $900 | 5+10 days |
Local Delivery to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $900 | 5+10 days |
Montreal to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $600 | 5+6 days |
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to the area | $550 | $900 | 6+10 days |
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Montreal | $575 | $600 | 6+6 days |
Montreal to (New York port) to Chicago, IL | $675 | $600 | 6+6 days |
Montreal to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $700 | $600 | 6+6 days |
City limits to (California port) to Denver, CO | $775 | $900 | 7+10 days |
Miami, FL to (New York port) to Montreal | $925 | $600 | 7+6 days |
Dallas, TX to (California port) to Montreal | $1,025 | $900 | 7+10 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional ten days to process the documents.
*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Location
Montreal, in the province of Quebec, is the second-largest city in Canada. Its port, Port of Montreal, is located on Montreal Island on the St. Lawrence River. More than 2,000 cargo ships visit this port every year, making it one of the busiest in the world, thanks to its three international container facilities.
Hauling Options
You’ve got a couple of delivery options to select from when shipping from the US to Montreal:
- Door-to-Door Shipping: With door-to-door service, your car will be picked up from your doorstep, transported to the port or rail station of departure (if applicable), or simply loaded onto a truck. Upon arrival in Canada, it will be delivered to your chosen destination.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: You may also elect to drop off the vehicle at a shipping terminal, and pick it up directly at the terminal of arrival in Montreal.
There are also two primary types of transportation options to choose from, depending on your needs and budget:
- Ro/Ro Shipping: Roll-on/roll-off services are available in Montreal. Favored for its affordability and convenience, this option allows your car to be driven directly onto the vessel, and off again after arrival. Once it is in place, it will be secured to prevent movement.
- Container Shipping: Vehicles can also be loaded into cargo containers for heightened protection from the elements and from collisions. Hardy straps secure the vehicle and container each in place. A popular choice with owners of antique vehicles who don’t mind the extra cost.
Required Documents and Permissions
Ensure that your specific vehicle is admissible as per Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles. Other documents that you will need to provide include:
- Original vehicle title/DMV-certified copy
- Copy of your photo ID
According to the 72-Hour Export Law, the United States Customs office requires you to send a copy of the vehicle’s original title to the border crossing that you’ll be using. This must be done at least 72 hours beforehand. Failure to do so will result in the vehicle being held up at the border, and can incur a $500 fine.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Hauling
Be sure to complete the items on this list, to prepare your vehicle for the shipping process.
- Clean your car thoroughly to expedite the inspection process and avoid long times spent in quarantine.
- Remove all personal belongings from the car.
- Ensure that the brakes (both foot and emergency) are fully functional.
- Leave the gas tank roughly ¼ full.
- Ensure that the insurance documents are either left inside the car, or carried with you at inspection time.
- Shut the alarms off, and lower/remove any antennae.
Customs Duties
Vehicles arriving in Montreal from a U.S. point of origin are subject to certain customs duties, which depend on their value and a variety of other factors. For specifics, refer to the Canada Border Services Agency.